MANAMA — Bahrain has authorized the emergency use of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine among frontline healthcare workers, who are in direct contact with active COVID-19 cases.

Bahrain's ss Minister of Health Faeqa Al Saleh highlighted that the voluntary administration of the vaccine will be provided starting from today in order to protect frontline healthcare workers from the risks of exposure.

The minister expressed her gratitude to Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his directives to prioritize frontline healthcare workers when administering the vaccine.

Al Saleh further expressed her gratitude for the crown prince’s support of the efforts of the ministry and the national medical taskforce for combating the coronavirus to safeguard all in the community.

The minister noted that the use of the vaccine is in full compliance with Bahrain’s regulations and laws which allow for exceptional licensing in emergency cases.

The distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine among frontline healthcare workers is a continuation of the ongoing cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) G42, who in September announced the emergency use of the same vaccine for frontline healthcare workers.

She highlighted that the results of studies of the first and second phases of clinical trials proved that the vaccine is safe and effective, adding that the trials are conducted under the strict supervision of the medical teams and the ministry of health.

The third phase of the clinical trial for the vaccine in Bahrain is proceeding smoothly, without any serious symptoms among the 7,700 volunteers participating. The second dose of the vaccine has been given to all volunteers.

The emergency use for frontline healthcare workers is licensed in coordination with the manufacturer to implement quality, safety, and efficiency control measures for the vaccine.

The measures include use within a range determined by Bahrain’s health authorities, determining the number of target groups, in addition to monitoring and reporting any adverse event and providing information to support safety, efficiency.

Frontline healthcare workers who will take the vaccine have been identified by their authorities and those who meet the requirements will be contacted for appointments at the designated center for the voluntary vaccination. — Bahrain's News Agency